The Local Winter Story Trail has seen world class writers, poets and performers pull together to create an authentic cultural experience that has put Glossop on the map for creativity and literary legacy.  

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The trail is on now, and free maps can be collected from KIN.DER, Dark Peak Books, George Street Community Bookshop and the local libraries. Follow the magical story-led trail to read the tales and find the hidden poem.   We chat to three of the writers that have been involved with the project to find out more about the inspiration behind their stories...

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‍Julie Hesmondhalgh & The Bottle Store - This is the Place  

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"I was a little bit late to the project, but having already volunteered my husband Ian Kershaw and his writing partner Debbie Oates, I was chuffed to be asked to be one of the writers on this year's Story Trail. What a brilliant idea. Myself and my youngest daughter loved the Glossop Art Trail last year, and this felt like a lovely and original successor to that event - utilising the wealth of writing talent in the area and celebrating Christmas, the magic of the season, words, and of course the late, great Hilary Mantel.  

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"A bit intimidating though! I'm an actor and theatre maker first and foremost, and I ain't no Dame Hilary for sure- but I love a challenge, I love Glossop and I love this time of year, so I jumped at the chance to take part.  

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"I was paired with The Bottle Store on George Street, and popped down to chat with Shelley at the beginning of November to have a look at her wares and get some ideas. As a reformed drinker myself, I wasn’t sure that we would be the most appropriate match, but actually the shop is home to a huge selection of what Shelley calls 'temperance' drinks , i.e. non-alcoholic beverages, and it was this grand collection that gave me the idea for my story. The title refers to, of course, the wonderful Tony Walsh poem about Manchester, but also to the neon sign behind the counter in this most magical of little shops."

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Matt Hill & Underwood Tattoos - Glossop 1904  

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"I think the Winter Story Trail is a lovely way to showcase some of the talent and independent businesses we have in our town. When I was paired with Underwood Tattoos the first thing I did was look on their website. The main heading there is a quote from Sylvia Plath "Wear your heart on your skin in this life". That immediately drew my attention and I knew I'd have to borrow it for the song title.  

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"When the writers' brief suggested drawing on local history, I suddenly remembered the stories of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show visiting Glossop in 1904. Like a lot of people of my age (and older) I grew up fascinated with Americana, country music and the myths of the old Wild West.  

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"I started researching and found out The Wild West show had a large contingent of Native Americans from the Sioux tribe. Tattooing was an important part of Sioux culture, so that became my point of connection with Mim and Rob at Underwood Tattoos. And from that, came a song - "I wear my heart on my skin."

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Debbie Oates & Cask & Kitchen - Pitstop  

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"Well I have to say, I picked a good time to move to Glossop. I was introduced to the town via the first WAN.DER which I went on only a week before moving here. Getting a feel for the town, whilst walking with the Glossop Creates tribe made me really excited to move here. So I was delighted to get involved with this project. It seems typical of the aims of the organisation - practical, participatory, creative and supportive. Thank you!  

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"Meeting Gaz was great, I learned about his businesses and about Norfolk Square itself - the history, the buildings, the way the town uses its central hub, all fascinating. Gaz's passion for, and pride in, Glossop were really inspiring. It was great to be paired with Cask & Kitchen, what a special place! I'm looking forward to sampling the beers...  

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"It took me a while to settle on the idea for the piece, then even longer to write it. But that's writing for you. Knowing it will be in a window and on a trail for such a long time did feel like a pressure, but experience tells me to just write the bloody thing. Worrying doesn't offer anything. Now that it's finished, I'm just looking forward to seeing what all the other writers have done. What a lovely way to celebrate the town and its artistic / musical / foodie communities. My next job is to invest in some thermals!"

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